Looking down at your smartphone can add an extra 50lbs of load onto your neck!

A recent study found that looking down at a smartphone such as an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy can load an extra 50lbs of weight onto your neck! The study concluded that these additional stresses on the neck could lead to quicker wear and tear of the cervical spine (neck).

People spend approximately 2-4hours a day on their smartphone.

This additional pressure on the neck increases loading on the muscles, joints, discs and nerves in the neck area. Lets look at each element:

Muscle loading increases muscle tension in the neck and shoulder girdle leading to myofascial trigger points

Joint pressure stresses the facet joints, which are small joints on the sides of the vertebrae of the spine

Disc pressure over time leads the disc shape to deform or change slightly, which in time can lead to a compressed nerve

Nerves that exit the spinal column in the neck run down the arm towards the hand, increased pressure over in the neck can pinch these nerves causing pain, tingling, numbness and sometimes loss of power!